There is widespread disruption amongst NHS services today, despite the planned strike by junior doctors being cancelled.
The row between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Government has been raging for weeks, but last night a temporary agreement was reached following conciliation talks at Acas.
The dispute is regarding a new contract for junior doctors. The Government says it is trying to create more seven-day services, while the BMA says junior doctors will be forced to work excessive hours due to safeguards on unsociable hours being lifted.
Junior doctors had planned three 24-hour walk-outs in December 2015, the first of which was supposed to start at 8am today. All have now been called off.
However, the decision has come far too late for NHS patients, many of whom are facing cancelled appointments and operations.
4,000 appointments cancelled
So far it is estimated that 4,000 routine treatments and procedures originally arranged for today have been postponed. This means between 10% to 15% of operations and procedures in England will not take place.
Further appointments and check-ups have also been affected, although cancer care has been prioritised and is largely unchanged.
Amongst the worst hit is Airedale Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which has cancelled 80% of planned operations, causing disruption for around 100 patients.
Dr Barbara Hakin, of NHS England, commented on the last-minute breakthrough talks, saying: “This is in the best interest of patients, although we can only apologise for the disruption caused to anyone who has already had their operations cancelled.”
The BMA has until 13 January 2016 to begin industrial action, should the next round of talks prove unsatisfactory.
Medical negligence claims
If you would like to talk to a solicitor about making a claim for substandard medical care, please get in touch with our team at Glynns Solicitors.
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